Security at Toronto Pearson YYZ Airport

Check-in & Security Travelling to the U.S.? - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Allow Enough Time For flights within Canada, check in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. For flights to the U.S., check in a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure. For international flights, check in a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure. The peak hours at Toronto Pearson are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Passenger volume increases significantly during the winter holiday season, March Break, and the summer. Please allow extra time for parking, check-in, security screening, and luggage retrieval during these periods.

Save time by checking in from home. Many airlines that serve Toronto Pearson offer online check-in. Identification Required For all flights to International or U.S. destinations, passengers require passports as identification to check in, clear security, and board an aircraft. For all flights within Canada, passengers require photo identification to identify themselves as the traveller named on the ticket. Note: For some destinations, passports must be valid for at least six months after your departure date. For additional identification requirements, click here. Check-in Process You may choose to check in for your flight via a check-in counter, self-service kiosk, or website. In all cases, the following tips will help to expedite your check-in process: Have your documents ready as you approach the check-in counter or kiosk, including your boarding pass or flight information, and your passport or alternate identification. Be aware of weight and size restrictions for checked baggage, and have your baggage packed accordingly prior to arriving at the airport. For specific values, refer to your ticket information or contact your air carrier directly. Remove or tighten all straps on baggage, such as on duffle bags or backpacks. Ensure that all checked and carry-on luggage has your name and address on it prior to arriving at the airport. For security, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) recommends using your work address, where possible. Ensure that you have packed your own baggage and have removed all old bag tags to avoid confusion. Verify that your baggage does not contain anything on the CATSA restricted items list. For a complete list of items not permitted through security and further travel tips, see the CATSA website: www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca. International Customs Information All Canadian and non-Canadian residents departing from Toronto Pearson should check the customs regulations for the country of destination by contacting the appropriate government department or embassy. For information on foreign representatives in Canada, see the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website. Security Requirements All passengers departing on flights from Toronto Pearson must proceed through pre-board security screening. The following tips will help to expedite your screening process: Footwear may need to be removed; please be prepared to do so if required. Avoid metal items that may trigger metal detector alarms (e.g., belts, buttons, body piercings, and steel toe shoes). All carry-on items will need to be placed in a tray for screening; please remove jackets, purses, and carry-ons before you get to the front of the screening line. Electronic equipment may need to be switched on when going through screening. Have cameras, laptops, and other devices out of luggage and ready for inspection. Boarding passes and personal identification (e.g., passport, and/or birth certificate) must be shown to screening personnel and carried through the metal detector. View the Transport Canada news release pertaining to the amendment of security requirements affecting liquids, gels, and aerosols onboard aircraft: http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/advisories/2006/06-ma032e.htm For more complete details about the screening process, see the CATSA website: www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca. Additional Flight Information For information about ticket reservations, baggage handling, and special needs traveller assistance, please contact your air carrier or your travel agent.